Self-defense system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed. The self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized to conform to an appendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material and positioned to initiate a defense event in response to an input.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the field of self-defense systems.

BACKGROUND

The concept of self-defense can oftentimes be more important to aperson's life than his or her financial livelihood. Whereas lost incomeor possessions can be replaced in time, physical damage to one's lifeand limb may be irreparable. As such, self-defense systems and devicescan play an important role in many modern scenarios that presentobstacles to self-preservation. Indeed, many of these systems anddevices may be implemented to ward off attackers, and may be utilized bylaw enforcement officers as well as civilian populations for purposes ofcrime prevention and the overall protection of life and limb.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed. The self-defensesystem may include or comprise a material sized to conform to anappendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material and positionedto initiate a defense event in response to an input.

Additionally, in an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed,wherein the self-defense system may include or comprise a material sizedto conform to an appendage, and first and second projector units coupledwith the material and positioned to project one or more substances infirst and second directions, respectively.

Moreover, in an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed, whereinthe self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized toconform to an appendage, and a projector unit coupled with the materialat a coupling surface area and positioned to project a substance in adirection that is substantially normal to the coupling surface areaand/or substantially perpendicular to an axis corresponding to a longestlength of the appendage.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed,wherein the self-defense system may include or comprise a material sizedto conform to an appendage, a comparator configured to conduct acomparison of two electronic signals and generate an automatic executionsignal based on the comparison, and a defense unit associated with thecomparator and coupled with the material, wherein the defense unit ispositioned to initiate a defense event based on the automatic executionsignal.

Additionally, in an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed,wherein the self-defense system may include or comprise a material sizedto conform to an appendage, a pressure sensor unit positioned to sensean applied pressure and generate a pressure input signal based on theapplied pressure, and a defense unit associated with the pressure sensorunit and coupled with the material, the defense unit positioned toinitiate a defense event based on the pressure input signal.

Moreover, in an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed, whereinthe self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized toconform to an appendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material.The defense unit may include or comprise a nozzle sized to engage acontainer configured to contain a substance under pressure, and anappendage anchor sized to receive a first digit so as to anchor a seconddigit relative to the nozzle and enable the second digit to manuallypush the container toward the nozzle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology,and, together with the Detailed Description, serve to explain principlesdiscussed below.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a first exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of a second exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a third exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of a first exemplary projector unit in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of an exemplary conductive energy device inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a diagram of a second exemplary projector unit in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary projection configuration inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a first exemplary engagement configuration inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a second exemplary engagement configuration inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a third exemplary engagement configuration inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams of a first exemplary defense arrangement inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a fourth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a fifth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a graph of an exemplary signal comparison in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a sixth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a seventh exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a first exemplary signal comparison system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an eighth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a second exemplary signal comparison system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a ninth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a third exemplary signal comparison system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a tenth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 20A is a diagram of a first exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a diagram of a second exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams of an exemplary manual selector inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of an eleventh exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 23A is a diagram of a third exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 23B is a diagram of a fourth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a twelfth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 25A is a diagram of a fifth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 25B is a diagram of a sixth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a thirteenth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 27A is a diagram of a seventh exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 27B is a diagram of an eighth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a fourteenth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 29A is a diagram of a ninth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 29B is a diagram of a tenth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a fifteenth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 31A is a diagram of an eleventh exemplary logic system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 31B is a diagram of a twelfth exemplary logic system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a sixteenth exemplary self-defense system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 33A is a diagram of a thirteenth exemplary logic system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 33B is a diagram of a fourteenth exemplary logic system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a second exemplary defense arrangement inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are diagrams of a third exemplary defense arrangementin accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 36A is a diagram of a first exemplary communication arrangement inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 36B is a diagram of a second exemplary communication arrangement inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram of an exemplary computer system in accordance withan embodiment.

The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood asbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings areonly exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunctionwith various embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limitthe present technology. Rather, the present technology is to beunderstood as encompassing various alternatives, modifications andequivalents.

Additionally, in the following Detailed Description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present technology. However, the present technology may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailso as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the exemplary embodimentspresented herein.

Moreover, it is noted that discussions throughout the present detaileddescription that utilize terms indicating that some action or process isto occur may refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, ora similar electronic computing device. For example, the computer systemor similar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within thecomputer system's registers and memories into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the computer system memoriesor registers, or other such information storage, transmission, ordisplay devices. The present technology is also well-suited to the useof other computer systems, such as, for example, optical and mechanicalcomputers.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it is further noted that terms indicatingthat some action or process is to occur may refer to manual actions orprocesses. Indeed, various embodiments of the present technologyimplement a combination of one or more computer-implemented actions orprocesses with one or more manual actions or processes.

Furthermore, for purposes of clarity, the term “appendage” may beconstrued as being, for example, an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot,toe, or any other physical appendage. Additionally, the term “digit” maybe construed as being, for example, a finger, thumb or toe, although theterm digit is not to be limited to such constructions. Moreover, theterm “substance” may be construed as referring to, for example, agaseous, liquid, plasma or solid substance, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the terminology “coupled with” shall not be construed asintending a direct physical relationship. For example, when twocomponents are described as being “coupled with” one another, there maybe one or more other parts, materials, etc. (e.g., an adhesive or asignal/transmission line), that are coupled between, attaching,integrating, etc., the two components. As such, the terminology “coupledwith” shall be given its broadest meaning, unless otherwise indicated.

Overview

Pursuant to an exemplary scenario, a person, such as a jogger, notices adog running toward him in a menacing manner, as if the dog intends toattack. Upon seeing this, the person immediately raises his arms infront of his face in a natural, defensive posture due to an innatedefensive reflex prompted by fear and adrenaline. The person's arms arenow positioned between his face and torso and the attacking dog suchthat the person's vital organs are provided a degree of protection. Whenthe dog reaches the person, the dog bites down on one of the person'sarms, which are closer in proximity to the dog than the person's faceand torso. The dog then pulls and tears at the person's arm, thusinflicting a significant degree of damage to the bitten limb.

In one example, this problem is remedied when the user carries a pepperspray propulsion device. However, in so much as the user must extend hisarm toward the attacking dog when discharging the chemical agent, theuser has consequently sacrificed his defensive posture and exposed hisvital organs to harm. If the user fails to spray the dog with thechemical agent in a manner that stops the attack, then the dog may latchon to the user's face or torso, thereby causing the user to suffer evenmore harm than in the previous example (whereby the user's natural,defensive posture was not sacrificed). Furthermore, the user may noteven have time to aim the device if the attack happens suddenly and thedevice is, for example, in the user's pocket.

In an embodiment of the present technology, a self-defense system isprovided that makes use of a person's natural, defensive posture wheninitiating a defense event. Consider the example where an implementedself-defense system includes a piece of material that wraps around aperson's arm or hand such that the self-defense system may becomfortably worn when the user is jogging. The self-defense system alsoincludes a chemical projector unit, such as a pepper spray propulsiondevice, positioned so as to be aimed at an oncoming attackerautomatically when the user raises his arms in front of his face in anatural, defensive posture during the attack. In this manner, theattacker can be sprayed with a defensive chemical agent without the usersacrificing his natural, defensive posture, which is in stark contrastto the aforementioned pepper spray propulsion device that requires theuser to extend his arm toward the oncoming attacker when discharging thechemical agent, which consequently sacrifices the user's defensiveposture and exposes the user's vital organs to harm.

Furthermore, in so much as the device is worn on the user's arm, theuser does not need to spend precious seconds during an attack removingthe device from his pocket, nor does the user need to constantly carrythe device in his hand when he is not being attacked. Rather, anembodiment provides that the device is comfortably worn on the user'sarm, or on the back of the user's hand (e.g., opposite the palm region),such that the user's hands are free to engage in other activities, allwhile the device is constantly available to be implemented at a moment'snotice when the user adopts the aforementioned natural, defensiveposture.

It is noted that the foregoing examples are provided for purposes ofillustration, and that the present technology may also be implemented ina similar manner, both by law enforcement officers and civiliancitizens, to fend off human attackers. Indeed, the present technologyhas a significant degree of utility for law enforcement officers, whomust have their hands free to activate their primary weapons (e.g.,their service firearms). In so much as a number of the self-defensedevices discussed herein may be comfortably mounted on the officers'arms, these devices may function as effective back-up defense systems inclose-quarter combat situations if the officers' primary weapons arelost, malfunction, or are otherwise inoperable or ineffective.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present technology will now bediscussed. It is noted, however, that the present technology is notlimited to these exemplary embodiments, and that the present technologyalso includes obvious variations of the exemplary embodiments andimplementations described herein. It is further noted that variouswell-known components are generally not illustrated in the drawings soas to not unnecessarily obscure various principles discussed herein, butthat such well-known components may be implemented by those skilled inthe art to practice various embodiments of the present technology.

Exemplary Systems and Configurations

With reference now to FIG. 1A, a first exemplary self-defense system 100in accordance with an embodiment is shown. First exemplary self-defensesystem 100 includes or comprises a material 120 sized to conform to anappendage 130, such as a user's hand, wrist or lower arm. In oneembodiment, material 120 includes or comprises a physical materialselected from a group of materials consisting essentially of leather,cloth, rubber and neoprene. It is noted, however, other materials may beimplemented.

It is further noted that material 120 may include or comprise a numberof components that are each elastic or inelastic such that material 120is able to conform to a shape of appendage 130. Indeed, one exemplaryimplementation provides that a portion of material 120 includes orcomprises a hand, wrist or lower arm unit sized to conform to a user'shand, wrist or lower arm such that the user may quickly positionmaterial 120 between the user's face or torso and an oncoming threatsimply by repositioning the user's hand, wrist or lower arm, such aswhen the user adopts a defensive posture. The foregoing notwithstanding,one embodiment provides that material 120 is an optional component.

With reference still to FIG. 1A, first exemplary self-defense system 100includes or comprises a defense unit 140 coupled or associated withmaterial 120 and positioned to initiate a defense event in response toan input 150. Such a defense event may include, for example, (1)spraying a substance (e.g., a lachrymatory agent or pepper spray), (2)generating a voltage differential across two electrodes of a stun gun,(3) projecting a projectile (e.g., a rubber bullet), (4) sounding analarm, (5) capturing information pertaining to the event, and/or (6)routing an amount of captured information to a preselected entity (e.g.,a law enforcement agency). However, other defense events may also beimplemented.

In an embodiment, input 150 is a manual input, such as when a userpushes a button to initiate a defense event, or such as when a usermanually pushes a pressurized container toward a release nozzle, or viceversa. Pursuant to one embodiment, however, input 150 is an electronicor optical signal configured to cause defense unit 140 to initiate adefense event. Indeed, it is noted that input 150 is not to be limitedto any particular type of input, and that various types of inputs may beimplemented.

With reference now to FIG. 1B, a second exemplary self-defense system101 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Second exemplaryself-defense system 101 includes or comprises a projector unit 160coupled or associated with defense unit 140 and positioned to project asubstance in one or more of exemplary directions 161. Second exemplaryself-defense system 101 may also optionally include or comprise one ormore additional projector units 170 coupled or associated with material120 and positioned to project one or more substances in a number ofdifferent directions, respectively, such as in exemplary directions 171,172. In this manner, more than one projector unit may be implemented toincrease the lateral range in which a substance is projected.

Moreover, one embodiment provides that input 150 is configured tocommunicate to defense unit 140 which of the implemented projector unitsare to be utilized during a specific defense event. To illustrate, andwith reference still to FIG. 1B, a unit selector 180 may be optionallyimplemented to enable a user to manually select how many of theimplemented projector units are to spray a chemical agent during adefense event. In this manner, input 150 may be utilized to increase ordecrease the lateral range in which a substance is projected by eitherincreasing or decreasing the selected number of projector units.

Additionally, it is noted that the various projector units may beconfigured to project different substances, respectively, wherein eachof these substances is housed in a different container. In oneembodiment, however, the various projector units may be configured toproject the same substance (e.g., a lachrymatory agent or pepper spray)from the same or different containers. For example, a single pressurizedcontainer may be implemented with multiple nozzles, or with a singlenozzle having multiple chambers defined therein, such that the substanceunder pressure is provided multiple paths from which to leave thecontainer during a defense event. In this manner, more than oneprojector unit will be implemented, although a single container isprovided.

Moreover, and with reference still to FIG. 1B, an embodiment providesthat input 150 is routed to each of projector unit 160 and one or moreadditional projector units 170. However, other event initiationparadigms may be implemented, such as where input 150 is routed todefense unit 140, whereby defense unit 140 then proactively initiatesthe various projection units. For example, defense unit 140 may beintegrated with a controller unit configured to activate one or moreprojector units associated with defense unit 140 in response to sensingor receiving input 150.

Furthermore, although second exemplary self-defense system 101 isdescribed as comprising or including a number of projection units, anembodiment provides a self-defense system including, comprising orintegrated with a number of other types of self-defense units, such asconductive energy devices (e.g., stun guns), instead of or in additionto the projection units. A number of exemplary defense devices arediscussed below with reference to FIG. 3.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a third exemplary self-defense system 200in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Third exemplary self-defensesystem 200 includes or comprises an armor unit 210 coupled or associatedwith material 120, wherein armor unit 210 has a degree of rigidity suchthat armor unit 210 is able to prevent a degree of damage from occurringto appendage 130 when a force is applied to material 120 in a directiontoward appendage 130.

Consider the example where a user is attacked by a dog when material 120is wrapped around the user's arm. In response to the user raising his orher arm between the user and the attacking dog, which is a natural humandefense impulse during an attack situation, material 120 and armor unit210 is displaced between the dog and the user's face and torso. The dogthen bites down on material 120 and armor unit 210, which is closer tothe dog than the user's face and torso. As a result of armor unit 210,the user's bitten arm suffers less damage than it would have if no armorhad been implemented.

With reference still to FIG. 2, third exemplary self-defense system 200may also include or comprise a number of additional armor units 220coupled or associated with material 120. In an embodiment, the variousarmor units are sized to conform to a shape of appendage 130, such as tominimize a degree of comfort associated with material 120. Additionally,the armor units may be formed from a physical material selected from agroup of materials consisting essentially of, for example, plastic,metal alloys and synthetic fibers, such as para-aramid synthetic fibers(e.g., poly para-phenyleneterephthalamide). It is noted, however, thatother materials may be implemented.

With reference now to FIG. 3A, a first exemplary projector unit 300 inaccordance with an embodiment is shown. First exemplary projector unit300 is configured to project a substance, such as a chemical substance(e.g., a lachrymatory agent or pepper spray), in a number of projectiondirections 310 in response to an input. Consider the example where firstexemplary projector unit 300 is integrated with a nozzle sized to engagea pressurized container housing a chemical substance. In response to adistance between the nozzle and the container decreasing below apreselected distance threshold, the chemical substance is forced out ofthe container and through a chamber formed in the nozzle. The substancethen exits the nozzle in multiple different directions that define adispersed spray area rather than in a single direction.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, an exemplary conductive energy device 301in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Exemplary conductive energydevice 301 includes or comprises two electrodes 320, and is configuredto generate a voltage differential between electrodes 320, wherein, thisvoltage differential is high enough to disable an attacker with anelectric shock or current. Indeed, in accordance with an embodiment, thegenerated voltage differential is above 50 kilovolts (kV) such that anattacker is momentarily stunned or disabled when coming into contactwith electrodes 320.

In one embodiment, exemplary conductive energy device 301 is configuredto propel electrodes 320 in a propulsion direction 330 so as to increasean effective range of the device. In particular, electrodes 320 arepropelled, such as by compressed gas (e.g., nitrogen) charges, andcontinue to remain connected to exemplary conductive energy device 301by conductive wires 340. Once electrodes 320 come into contact with anattacker, an electric current is delivered through conductive wires 340and electrodes 320 so as to disrupt voluntary control of the attacker'smuscles to thereby end the attack in a non-lethal manner.

With reference now to FIG. 3C, a second exemplary projector unit 302 inaccordance with an embodiment is shown. Second exemplary projector unit302 is configured to project a projectile 350, such as a non-lethalrubber bullet, in a projection direction 360, such as by compressed gasor combustible powder charges. In accordance with an exemplaryimplementation, projectile 350 is projected with enough force totemporarily incapacitate an attacker so as to enable a safe retreat fromthe attack.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that the present technologyis not limited to the exemplary defense devices discussed herein.Indeed, other types of defense devices may be implemented.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an exemplary projection configuration 400in accordance with an embodiment is shown. A projection unit 410, suchas first exemplary projector unit 300 shown in FIG. 3A, includes orcomprises a housing 420 sized to house a container 430, whereincontainer 430 is configured to contain a substance 431 under pressure,such as a chemical substance (e.g., a lachrymatory agent or pepperspray). Housing 420 may also house a nozzle 440 sized to engagecontainer 430 and release an amount of substance 431 from container 430in response to a force 450 being applied to nozzle 440 or container 430,such as by a force applicator 460, in a preselected direction and abovea preselected magnitude.

Consider the example where container 430 includes, comprises or isintegrated with a valve stem 432. A chamber 441 is formed or definedwithin nozzle 440, wherein chamber 441 is sized to engage or receivevalve stem 432. When force applicator 460 pushes nozzle 440 in a firstdirection 470 toward container 430, or when force applicator 460 pushescontainer 430 in a second direction 471 toward nozzle 440, such that adistance 480 between container 430 and nozzle 440 decreases, a pressurevalve 433 coupled with or formed within valve stem 432 opens to releasean amount of substance 431 from container 430. In so much as theinternal pressure of container 430 is above atmospheric pressure, thereleased amount of substance 431 is forced through valve stem 432 andchamber 441 and finally projected from nozzle 440 in projectiondirections 310, which define a dispersed spray area 490. It is notedthat dispersing a chemical agent across a dispersed spray area mayincrease the effectiveness of an initiated defense event, such as byincreasing the probability that the chemical agent will come intocontact with an attacker's eyes, nose and mouth.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a first exemplary engagement configuration500 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, anexecution signal 510 is routed to a controller unit 520, whereincontroller unit 520 is configured to generate engagement anddisengagement signals 530, 540 based on execution signal 510. Engagementand disengagement signals 530, 540 are routed to force applicator 460,wherein force applicator 460 then increases or decreases force 450,which is directed in preselected force engagement direction 550, basedon these signals.

To illustrate, and with reference again to FIG. 4, consider the examplewhere execution signal 510 communicates to controller unit 520 that adefense event is to be initiated, and, consequently, controller unit 520generates engagement signal 530 which is routed to force applicator 460.It is noted that force applicator 460 is positioned to apply force 450to nozzle 440 or container 430 in a preselected direction and above apreselected magnitude in response to engagement signal 530 such that afirst amount of substance 431 is released from container 430. However,when execution signal 510 is halted, or otherwise communicates tocontroller unit 520 that a defense event is to be paused or ended,controller unit 520 generates disengagement signal 540, which is routedto force applicator 460. Force applicator 460 is configured to decreasea magnitude of force 450 below the preselected magnitude in response todisengagement signal 540 such that a release of a second amount ofsubstance 431 from container 430 is prevented. In this manner,controller unit 520 may be implemented to both initiate and end adefense event.

It is noted that the present technology is not limited to any particulartype of force applicator. For example, force applicator 460 may includeor comprise a linear stepper motor configured to generate an amount oflinear force based on execution signal 510. Pursuant to one embodiment,however, force applicator 460 includes or comprises a component, such asa miniature camshaft lobe, configured to translate rotational force intolinear force. The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that othertypes of force applicators may be implemented.

With reference still to FIG. 5, controller unit 520 is configured togenerate engagement and disengagement signals 530, 540 based onexecution signal 510. In one embodiment, execution signal 510 is basedon one or more signals discussed herein, such as a pressure input ormanual execution signal as discussed infra. In this manner, executionsignal 510 may be generated based on a sensed input (e.g., an appliedpressure or a manual user selection) such that a defense event isautomatically initiated or terminated based on the sensed input.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a second exemplary engagementconfiguration 600 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Secondexemplary engagement configuration 600 is similar to first exemplaryengagement configuration 500, except that engagement and disengagementsignals 530, 540 are routed from controller unit 520 to a voltagegenerator 610, wherein voltage generator 610 is associated or coupledwith exemplary conductive energy device 301. Voltage generator 610generates a voltage differential 620 based on engagement anddisengagement signals 530, 540, and voltage differential 620 is appliedacross electrodes 320, such as by applying voltage differential 620 toconductive wires 340.

To illustrate, consider the example where execution signal 510communicates to controller unit 520 that a defense event is to beinitiated, and, consequently, controller unit 520 generates engagementsignal 530, which is routed to voltage generator 610. In response toreceiving engagement signal 530, voltage generator 610 generates voltagedifferential 620 such that voltage differential 620 is at or above apredetermined voltage threshold (e.g., 50 kV), and voltage differential620 is applied across electrodes 320. However, when execution signal 510is halted, or otherwise communicates to controller unit 520 that adefense event is to be paused or ended, controller unit 520 generatesdisengagement signal 540, which is routed to voltage generator 610.Consequently, voltage generator 610 ceases to continue to generatevoltage differential 620 and/or decreases the previously generatedvoltage differential 620 below the aforementioned voltage threshold.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a third exemplary engagement configuration700 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Third exemplaryengagement configuration 700 is similar to first exemplary engagementconfiguration 500, except that engagement and disengagement signals 530,540 are routed from controller unit 520 to a signal generator 710.Signal generator 710 generates a projection signal 720 based onengagement and disengagement signals 530, 540, and projection signal 720is routed to a projector 730, which is provided with an amount ofprojectiles 740. Projector 730 is configured to project a projectile 350(e.g., a non-lethal rubber bullet) from among the amount of projectiles740, based on projection signal 720, in a projection direction 360, suchas by compressed gas or combustible powder charges.

To illustrate, consider the example where execution signal 510communicates to controller unit 520 that a defense event is to beinitiated, and, consequently, controller unit 520 generates engagementsignal 530, which is routed to signal generator 710. In response toreceiving engagement signal 530, signal generator 710 generatesprojection signal 720, which communicates to projector 730 that one ormore projectiles from among projectiles 740 are to be projected inprojection direction 360. However, when execution signal 510 is halted,or otherwise communicates to controller unit 520 that a defense event isto be paused or ended, controller unit 520 generates disengagementsignal 540, which is routed to signal generator 710. Consequently,signal generator 710 halts projection signal 720, or otherwiseconfigures projection signal 720 to communicate to projector 730 thatthe projection of projectiles by projector 730 is to be paused or ended.

It is noted that first, second and third exemplary engagementconfigurations 500, 600, 700 may be implemented in conjunction withfirst exemplary projector unit 300, exemplary conductive energy device301, and second exemplary projector unit 302, respectively (see FIGS.3A-3C). It is further noted, however, that the present technology is notlimited to these exemplary engagement configurations. Indeed, otherengagement configurations may be implemented.

With reference now to FIGS. 8A-8C, a first exemplary defense arrangement800 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, a defensedevice, such as projector unit 160, is coupled with material 120 at acoupling surface area 810 and positioned to project a substance in adirection 820 that is substantially normal to coupling surface area 810(as represented by surface axis 830 and right angle 840) and/orsubstantially perpendicular to an axis corresponding to a longest lengthof appendage 130 (as represented by major length axis 850 and rightangle 840). Pursuant to one embodiment, however, direction 820 is angledapproximately 45 degrees or more (e.g., approximately 60 degrees) awayfrom major length axis 850. It is noted that such an arrangement mayincrease an effectiveness of a defense event, such as when usersnaturally position their arms in front of their faces in a defensiveposture such that projecting a substance in such a direction causes thesubstance to be projected toward the oncoming attacker withoutnecessitating a change in the natural, defensive posture of the users.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a fourth exemplary self-defense system 900in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Fourth exemplary self-defensesystem 900 includes or comprises a defense unit 140, as in FIG. 1B, aswell as a projection initiator unit 910 configured to enable aprojection of one or more substances from a number of projection unitsassociated with defense unit 140. In particular, projection initiatorunit 910 is configured to sense or receive an input, such as input 150,and generate execution signal 510 based on the sensed or received input.In one embodiment, input 150 is an electronic signal resulting from amanual input caused by a selection of a manual selection mechanismand/or the sensing of a physical pressure by a pressure sensor, as willbe further discussed herein. Once generated, execution signal 510 causesa defense event to be initiated, such as by communicating to defenseunit 140 that one or more substances are to be projected from one ormore of the implemented projection units.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a fifth exemplary self-defense system1000 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Fifth exemplaryself-defense system 1000 includes or comprises a comparator 1010configured to conduct a comparison of two electronic signals 1020 andgenerate execution signal 510 based on the comparison. Additionally,defense unit 140 is configured to initiate a defense event based onexecution signal 510.

In an embodiment, defense unit 140 includes or comprises a number ofprojector units each configured to project a substance based onexecution signal 510. Pursuant to one embodiment, however, defense unit140 includes or comprises a number of conductive energy devices eachincluding or comprising two electrodes and configured to generate avoltage differential above 50 kV between their respective electrodesbased on execution signal 510. See, e.g., exemplary conductive energydevice 301 shown in FIGS. 3B and 6.

With reference still to FIG. 10, an embodiment provides that electronicsignals 1020 are an input signal and a threshold voltage, respectively,and that each of these signals has a signal amplitude. Additionally,comparator 1010 is configured to compare the two signal amplitudes andgenerate execution signal 510 in response to an absolute value ormagnitude of a signal amplitude of the input signal being above anabsolute value or magnitude of a signal amplitude of the thresholdvoltage.

To further illustrate, and with reference now to FIG. 11, a graph 1100of an exemplary signal comparison in accordance with an embodiment isshown. Graph 1100 includes or comprises voltage amplitude and time axes1110, 1120, wherein an input signal 1130 and a threshold voltage 1140corresponding to the two electronic signals 1020, respectively, areplotted with respect to these axes. At a first exemplary instant oftime, as indicated by point 1121, it is noted that input signal 1130 hasa first exemplary signal amplitude, indicated by point 1111,corresponding to coordinate 1131 (as shown by graphical axes 1150,1151). At this same instant of time, it is noted that threshold voltage1140, which may be the result of a direct current (DC) signal, has anexemplary threshold amplitude, indicated by point 1112, corresponding tocoordinate 1141 (as shown by graphical axis 1150 and threshold voltage1140). It may therefore be seen that the amplitude of input signal 1130is below the amplitude of threshold voltage 1140 at the first exemplaryinstant of time that is indicated by point 1121. Consequently, anembodiment provides that execution signal 510 will not be generated, andthat no defense event will be initiated, at this point in time.

With reference still to FIG. 11, at a second exemplary instant of time,as indicated by point 1122, it is noted that input signal 1130 has asecond exemplary signal amplitude, indicated by point 1112,corresponding to coordinate 1132 (as shown by graphical axis 1160 andthreshold voltage 1140). At this same instant of time, it is noted thatthreshold voltage 1140 has this same signal amplitude. It may thereforebe seen that the amplitude of input signal 1130 equals the amplitude ofthreshold voltage 1140 at the second exemplary instant of time that isindicated by point 1122. Consequently, an embodiment provides thatexecution signal 510 will be generated at or around this latter point intime such that a defense event will be initiated.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a sixth exemplary self-defense system1200 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Sixth exemplaryself-defense system 1200 includes or comprises material 120, which issized to conform to appendage 130, and a pressure sensor unit 1210positioned to sense an applied pressure 1220 and generate a pressureinput signal 1230 based on applied pressure 1220. Sixth exemplaryself-defense system 1200 also includes or comprises a defense unit 140,which is coupled with material 120 and communicatively associated withpressure sensor unit 1210, such as by a wireless (e.g., using shortwavelength radio transmissions) or wired communication paradigm, whereindefense unit 140 is configured to initiate a defense event based onpressure input signal 1230.

Consider the example where an attacker grabs a user's arm, whereinmaterial 120 is wrapped around the user's arm. The physical pressure(e.g., applied pressure 1220) applied by the attacker to material 120 issensed by pressure sensor unit 1210. In response to sensing thispressure, pressure sensor unit 1210 generates pressure input signal1230, wherein pressure input signal 1230 is an electronic,electromagnetic or optical signal that causes defense unit 140 toinitiate a defense event.

In one embodiment, defense unit 140 includes or comprises projector unit160, which is coupled with material 120 and positioned to project asubstance in a first direction based on pressure input signal 1230.Defense unit 140 may also include or comprise a second projector unit(e.g., one or more additional projector units 170) coupled with material120 and positioned to project a substance in a second direction based onpressure input signal 1230 when projector unit 160 projects a substancein the first direction, wherein the first projector unit is incapable ofsimultaneously projecting a substance in both of the first and seconddirections. In this manner, multiple defense units may be implemented toincrease an effective range of a defense event.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, pressure sensor unit 1210 and defenseunit 140 include, comprise or are integrated with a wireless transmitterand a wireless receiver, respectively. When pressure sensor unit 1210senses applied pressure 1220, pressure input signal 1230 is wirelesslyrouted to defense unit 140. In this manner, one or more pressure sensorsassociated with pressure sensor unit 1210 may be positioned at differentlocations on a user's body, or elsewhere.

With reference now to FIG. 13, a seventh exemplary self-defense system1300 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Seventh exemplaryself-defense system 1300 includes or comprises one or more pressuresensors 1310 coupled or associated with pressure sensor unit 1210. Eachof the one or more pressure sensors 1310 is positioned to sense anapplied pressure 1220 and generate a pressure input signal 1230 based onthe applied pressure 1220 sensed by that sensor, wherein each of the oneor more pressure input signals 1230 has a signal amplitude. In thismanner, multiple pressure sensors may be located at different positionssuch that a probability of sensing an applied pressure by at least onesensor is increased. Moreover, an embodiment provides that a defenseevent is initiated in response to at least two different pressuresensors detecting applied pressures above a predetermined pressurethreshold so as to minimize the probability of initiating a defenseevent in response to a false positive, which could occur, for example,when one of the pressure sensors is accidentally hit or otherwisetriggered.

To further illustrate, and with reference now to FIG. 14, a firstexemplary signal comparison system 1400 in accordance with an embodimentis shown. In particular, a comparator 1010 is associated with the one ormore pressure sensors, wherein comparator 1010 is positioned to comparethe one or more pressure input signals 1230 with a threshold voltage1140 and generate an automatic execution signal 1410 in response to anabsolute value or magnitude of one or more (e.g., at least one, at leasttwo, at least three, etc.) of the signal amplitudes of the one or morepressure input signals 1230 being above an absolute value or magnitudeof threshold voltage 1140. Moreover, defense unit 140 is configured toinitiate a defense event based on automatic execution signal 1410.

For purposes of clarity, it is noted that automatic execution signal1410 may or may not be the same signal as execution signal 510 discussedherein. However, an embodiment provides that automatic execution signal1410 is in fact distinguishable from a manual execution signal, asdiscussed infra.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that inputs other thanapplied physical pressures may be indicative of an attack. For example,a user's own behavior and physiological state may indicate that the useris in danger. In particular, a user's heart rate may becomesubstantially elevated in a relatively short period of time in responseto the fear and adrenaline associated with a sudden attack, wherein sucha rapid increase in heart rate is distinguishable from slower heart rateelevations corresponding to conditions associated with normal degrees ofhuman exercise. As such, an embodiment provides that a user's heart rateis monitored and utilized as an input in determining whether a defenseevent is to be initiated.

To illustrate, and with reference now to FIG. 15, an eighth exemplaryself-defense system 1500 in accordance with an embodiment is shown.Eighth exemplary self-defense system 1500 includes or comprises a cardiounit 1510 configured to generate a heart rate input signal 1520, whichmay be an electronic signal, in response to a detected heart rate 1530being above a heart rate threshold. Eighth exemplary self-defense system1500 also includes or comprises a signal generator 710 configured togenerate automatic execution signal 1410 based on pressure input signal1230 and/or heart rate input signal 1520. Moreover, defense unit 140 ispositioned to initiate a defense event based on automatic executionsignal 1410.

Thus, in an embodiment, a defense event is initiated in response to adetected heart rate 1530 being above a heart rate threshold. However, inorder to minimize false positives, one embodiment provides that adefense event is initiated in response to two different conditionsoccurring, such as when (1) a detected heart rate 1530 is above a heartrate threshold 1540 and (2) pressure sensor unit 1210 senses an appliedpressure 1220 above a predetermined pressure threshold.

With reference now to FIG. 16, a second exemplary signal comparisonsystem 1600 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Second exemplarysignal comparison system 1600 includes or comprises a heart ratedetector 1610 coupled or associated with cardio unit 1510 and configuredto detect heart rate 1530 and generate a heart rate signal 1620, whichmay be an electronic signal, based on heart rate 1530. Second exemplarysignal comparison system 1600 also includes or comprises a comparator1010 coupled or associated with heart rate detector 1610, whereincomparator 1010 is configured to conduct a comparison between heart ratesignal 1620 and heart rate threshold 1540. Comparator is also configuredto generate heart rate input signal 1520, based on the comparison, whenan absolute value or magnitude of heart rate signal 1620 exceeds anabsolute value or magnitude of heart rate threshold.

In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that ambient audio data may beindicative of an attack. For example, a user may spontaneously utterterms such as “stop” or “help” in response to being attacked. As asecond example, a gunshot or other sounds associated with threateningbehavior may be indicative of an attack. As such, an embodiment providesthat various preselected audio cues are implemented to monitor ambientaudio data and determine whether a defense event is to be initiated.

To illustrate, and with reference now to FIG. 17, a ninth exemplaryself-defense system 1700 in accordance with an embodiment is shown.Ninth exemplary self-defense system 1700 includes or comprises an audioinput unit 1710 configured to generate an audio input signal 1720 inresponse to detected audio data 1730 corresponding to a preselectedaudio cue 1740. Ninth exemplary self-defense system 1700 also includesor comprises a signal generator 710 coupled or associated with pressuresensor unit 1210 and audio input unit 1710, wherein signal generator 710is configured to generate automatic execution signal 1410 based onpressure input signal 1230 and/or audio input signal 1720. Moreover,defense unit 140 is positioned to initiate a defense event based onautomatic execution signal 1410.

With reference now to FIG. 18, a third exemplary signal comparisonsystem 1800 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, amicrophone 1810 is coupled or associated with audio input unit 1710 andpositioned to detect audio data 1730 and generate an audio signal 1820,which may be an electronic signal, based on audio data 1730.Additionally, a storage unit 1830 is associated with audio input unit1710 and configured to store a number of preselected audio cues 1831.Moreover, an audio analyzer 1840 is coupled or associated with storageunit 1830, wherein audio analyzer 1840 is configured to access audio cue1740 from storage unit 1830, conduct a comparison between audio signal1820 and audio cue 1740, and generate audio input signal 1720 based onthe comparison, such as when audio signal 1820 substantially matches orcorresponds to audio cue 1740.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it may be beneficial to enable a user tomanually initiate a defense event based on the user's own judgment. Assuch, and with reference now to FIG. 19, a tenth exemplary self-defensesystem 1900 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Tenth exemplaryself-defense system 1900 includes or comprises a manual selector 1910coupled or associated with defense unit 140 and positioned to generate amanual execution signal 1920 in response to a selection 1930 of manualselector 1910. Manual execution signal 1920 is then routed to defenseunit 140, which automatically initiates a defense event when manualexecution signal 1920 is received. Furthermore, an embodiment providesthat both pressure sensor unit 1210 and manual selector 1910 areimplemented such that a defense event will be initiated in response toeither of pressure input signal 1230 or manual execution signal 1920being generated.

With reference now to FIG. 20A, a first exemplary logic system 2000 inaccordance with an embodiment is shown. First exemplary logic system2000 includes or comprises an OR gate 2010 configured to generateexecution signal 510 when either manual execution signal 1920 orpressure input signal 1230 have a signal amplitude corresponding to alogical “1”. It is noted that projector unit 160, and optionally one ormore additional projector units 170, are configured to initiate adefense event in response to execution signal 510 being generated by ORgate 2010. In this manner, an embodiment provides that a defense eventis initiated based on either (1) a selection 1930 of manual selector1910 or (2) applied pressure 1220 being above a preselected pressurethreshold.

With reference now to FIG. 20B, a second exemplary logic system 2001 inaccordance with an embodiment is shown. Second exemplary logic system2001 is substantially similar to first exemplary logic system 2000,except that an XOR gate 2020 is implemented. For example, when eithermanual execution signal 1920 or pressure input signal 1230 have a signalamplitude corresponding to a logical “0”, XOR gate 2020 generatesexecution signal 510. Thus, it is noted that different logic gates(e.g., AND and NAND gates) and electronic components may be implementedto generate execution signal 510 based on a number of input signals.Indeed, OR and XOR gates 2010, 2020 are presented as exemplary logicgates, and are not meant to narrow the scope of the present technology.

Thus, and with reference still to the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 19, 20A and 20B, a defense event may be manually initiated when auser selects manual selector 1910 or automatically initiated when anapplied pressure 1220 above a predetermined pressure threshold is sensedby pressure sensor unit 1210. Indeed, various embodiments may beimplemented such that a defense event is initiated in response to amanual user input, or in response to a different input (such as theexemplary inputs discussed herein). However, other embodiments may alsobe implemented.

With reference now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, an exemplary manual selector2100 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Exemplary manualselector 2100 includes or comprises a digit receptacle 2110 having awidth or diameter 2120 based on a preselected digit width or diameter.Exemplary manual selector 2100 also includes or comprises a selectionmechanism 2130 configured to move from a first position, as shown inFIG. 21A, to a second position, as shown in FIG. 21B, within digitreceptacle 2110, wherein manual execution signal 1920 is generated whenselection mechanism 2130 is in the second position.

For example, when a user sticks his or her finger inside digitreceptacle 2110 and pushes on selection mechanism 2130 in an exemplaryselection direction 2140, selection mechanism 2130 is displaced from afirst position to a second position toward an elastic or spring member2150. Once in this second position, an electronic switch associated withselection mechanism 2130 is activated or closed such that manualexecution signal 1920 is generated, which in turn causes a defense eventto be initiated. Moreover, once the force applied to selection mechanism2130 in exemplary selection direction 2140 is decreased below theopposing force applied on selection mechanism 2130 by elastic or springmember 2150, selection mechanism 2130 returns to the first position suchthat exemplary manual selector 2100 is reset. Furthermore, oneembodiment provides that an initiated defense event is halted orterminated once selection mechanism 2130 returns to the first position.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that, in accordance with anembodiment, digit receptacle 2110 and selection mechanism 2130 are sizedto prevent an unintended or accidental selection of selection mechanism2130. For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, a portion of digit receptacle2110 extends beyond selection mechanism 2130 when selection mechanism2130 is in the first position, and width or diameter 2120 of digitreceptacle 2110 is based on a known finger width, such that anunintended or accidental selection of selection mechanism 2130 isminimized.

With reference now to FIG. 22, an eleventh exemplary self-defense system2200 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Eleventh exemplaryself-defense system 2200 includes or comprises a conductive energydevice 301 coupled with material 120 and including or comprising twoelectrodes 320. Conductive energy device 301 is configured to generate avoltage differential between electrodes 320 based on pressure inputsignal 1230 or manual execution signal 1920. Pursuant to one embodiment,this voltage differential is in the range of approximately 50 to 1000kilovolts (kV).

In addition to the foregoing, an embodiment provides that eleventhexemplary self-defense system 2200 also includes or comprises aprojector unit 300 coupled with material 120 and positioned to project asubstance based on pressure input signal 1230 or manual execution signal1920. Thus, it is noted that combinations of different types of defensedevices (e.g., stun guns and chemical sprayers) may be combined in asingle configuration to potentially increase an effectiveness of aninitiated defense event.

With reference now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, third and fourth exemplarylogic systems 2300, 2301 in accordance with a number of exemplaryembodiments are shown. Third and fourth exemplary logic systems 2300,2301 are substantially similar to first and second exemplary logicsystems 2000, 2001, respectively (see the discussions above regardingFIGS. 20A and 20B). However, in accordance with an embodiment, executionsignal 510 may be implemented to cause conductive energy device 301 toinitiate a defense event. Indeed, one embodiment provides that executionsignal 510 causes both projector unit 160 and conductive energy device301 to initiate a defense event at approximately the same time.

The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that certain informationpertaining to an attack may be important to helping law enforcementdetectives to identify an attacker, as well as to helping medicalresponders and law enforcement officers to locate the victim in a timelyfashion. This information may include, but is not limited to, anattacker's voice, an image of the attacker and/or other clues, videofootage of the attack, and a real-time geographic location of theattack, the latter aspect being important to quickly locating the victimso as to render protection and medical aid. In view of the foregoing, anumber of embodiments will now be discussed wherein, during an initiateddefense event, specific information is captured, recorded and/ortransmitted to one or more preselected entities, such as a local lawenforcement agency and emergency medical responders.

With reference now to FIG. 24, a twelfth exemplary self-defense system2400 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Twelfth exemplaryself-defense system 2400 includes or comprises an audio input unit 2410(e.g., a microphone) positioned to capture audio data 2420 as a resultof pressure input signal 1230 or manual execution signal 1920 by sensingaudio data 2420 and generating an audio input signal 2430 based on orassociated with audio data 2420. Twelfth exemplary self-defense system2400 also includes or comprises a storage unit 2440 associated withaudio input unit 2410 and positioned to store audio input signal 2430.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, twelfth exemplary self-defense system2400 optionally includes or comprises a transmitter 2450 associated withaudio input unit 2410 and positioned to automatically generate an audiooutput signal 2460 corresponding to audio input signal 2430 andautomatically transmit audio output signal 2460 to a preselected entity2470. It is noted that transmitter 2450 may be configured to receiveaudio input signal 2430 from either audio input unit 2410 or storageunit 2440.

With reference now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, fifth and sixth exemplary logicsystems 2500, 2501 in accordance with a number of exemplary embodimentsare shown. Fifth and sixth exemplary logic systems 2500, 2501 aresubstantially similar to first and second exemplary logic systems 2000,2001, respectively (see the discussions above regarding FIGS. 20A and20B). However, in accordance with an embodiment, execution signal 510may be implemented to cause audio input unit 2410 to initiate a defenseevent. Indeed, one embodiment provides that execution signal 510 causesboth projector unit 160 and audio input unit 2410 to initiate a defenseevent at approximately the same time.

With reference now to FIG. 26, a thirteenth exemplary self-defensesystem 2600 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Thirteenthexemplary self-defense system 2600 includes or comprises an image inputunit 2610 (e.g., a digital camera) positioned to capture image data 2620as a result of pressure input signal 1230 or manual execution signal1920 by sensing image data 2620 and generating an image input signal2630 based on or associated with image data 2620. Thirteenth exemplaryself-defense system 2600 also includes or comprises a storage unit 2440associated with image input unit 2610 and positioned to store imageinput signal 2630.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, thirteenth exemplary self-defense system2600 optionally includes or comprises a transmitter 2450 associated withimage input unit 2610 and positioned to automatically generate an imageoutput signal 2660 corresponding to image input signal 2630 andautomatically transmit image output signal 2660 to a preselected entity2470. It is noted that transmitter 2450 may be configured to receiveimage input signal 2630 from either image input unit 2610 or storageunit 2440.

With reference now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, seventh and eighth exemplarylogic systems 2700, 2701 in accordance with a number of exemplaryembodiments are shown. Seventh and eighth exemplary logic systems 2700,2701 are substantially similar to first and second exemplary logicsystems 2000, 2001, respectively (see the discussions above regardingFIGS. 20A and 20B). However, in accordance with an embodiment, executionsignal 510 may be implemented to cause image input unit 2610 to initiatea defense event. Indeed, one embodiment provides that execution signal510 causes both projector unit 160 and image input unit 2610 to initiatea defense event at approximately the same time.

With reference now to FIG. 28, a fourteenth exemplary self-defensesystem 2800 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Fourteenthexemplary self-defense system includes or comprises a video input unit2810 (e.g., a digital camera with digital video recording capabilities)positioned to capture video data 2820 as a result of pressure inputsignal 1230 or manual execution signal 1920 by sensing video data 2820and generating a video input signal 2830 based on or associated withvideo data 2820. Fourteenth exemplary self-defense system also includesor comprises a storage unit 2440 associated with video input unit 2810and positioned to store video input signal 2830.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, fourteenth exemplary self-defense system2800 optionally includes or comprises a transmitter 2450 associated withvideo input unit 2810 and positioned to automatically generate a videooutput signal 2860 corresponding to video input signal 2830 andautomatically transmit video output signal 2860 to a preselected entity2470. It is noted that transmitter 2450 may be configured to receivevideo input signal 2830 from either video input unit 2810 or storageunit 2440.

With reference now to FIGS. 29A and 29B, ninth and tenth exemplary logicsystems 2900, 2901 in accordance with a number of exemplary embodimentsare shown. Ninth and tenth exemplary logic systems 2900, 2901 aresubstantially similar to first and second exemplary logic systems 2000,2001, respectively (see the discussions above regarding FIGS. 20A and20B). However, in accordance with an embodiment, execution signal 510may be implemented to cause video input unit 2810 to initiate a defenseevent. Indeed, one embodiment provides that execution signal 510 causesboth projector unit 160 and video input unit 2810 to initiate a defenseevent at approximately the same time.

With reference now to FIG. 30, a fifteenth exemplary self-defense system3000 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Fifteenth exemplaryself-defense system 3000 includes or comprises a geolocation unit 3010positioned to sense geolocation data 3020 as a result of pressure inputsignal 1230 or manual execution signal 1920, calculate a geographicposition (e.g., a geographic location corresponding to a currentposition of geolocation unit 3010) based on geolocation data 3020, andgenerate a geolocation input signal 3030 indicating the geographicposition. In one embodiment, geolocation unit 3010 utilizes globalpositioning system (GPS) technology to calculate a geographic position.However, other geolocation paradigms may be implemented.

With reference still to FIG. 30, fifteenth exemplary self-defense system3000 also includes or comprises a storage unit 2440 associated withgeolocation unit 3010 and positioned to store geolocation input signal3030. Furthermore, in an embodiment, fifteenth exemplary self-defensesystem 3000 optionally includes or comprises a transmitter 2450associated with geolocation unit 3010, wherein transmitter 2450 isconfigured and positioned to automatically generate a geolocation outputsignal 3060 corresponding to geolocation input signal 3030 andautomatically transmit geolocation output signal 3060 to a preselectedentity 2470.

With reference now to FIGS. 31A and 31B, eleventh and twelfth exemplarylogic systems 3100, 3101 in accordance with a number of exemplaryembodiments are shown. Eleventh and twelfth exemplary logic systems3100, 3101 are substantially similar to first and second exemplary logicsystems 2000, 2001, respectively (see the discussions above regardingFIGS. 20A and 20B). However, in accordance with an embodiment, executionsignal 510 may be implemented to cause geolocation unit 3010 to initiatea defense event. Indeed, one embodiment provides that execution signal510 causes both projector unit 160 and geolocation unit 3010 to initiatea defense event at approximately the same time.

Pursuant to one exemplary implementation, a self-defense system isintegrated with an alarm unit, such as to scare an attacker into haltingan attack, or at least lowering a degree of aggression associated withthe attack, and possibly also attracting attention to an attack suchthat third-parties may intervene. To illustrate, and with reference nowto FIG. 32, a sixteenth exemplary self-defense system 3200 in accordancewith an embodiment is shown. Sixteenth exemplary self-defense system3200 includes or comprises a storage unit 2440 configured to storepreselected audio data 3210, such as audio data corresponding to apreselected audio alarm signal. Sixteenth exemplary self-defense system3200 also includes or comprises an audio output unit 3220 (e.g., anaudio speaker) associated with storage unit 2440 and configured toaccess preselected audio data 3210 based on pressure input signal 1230or manual execution signal 1920. Audio output unit 3220 is alsoconfigured to generate and output an audio signal 3230 (e.g., anemergency siren) based on or associated with preselected audio data3210.

Indeed, an embodiment provides that a sound frequency associated withaudio signal 3230 is selected based on a hearing range associated with apotential attacker. Consider the example where a defense system asdescribed herein is specifically designed to be worn by a jogger whocould possibly be attacked by a dog when exercising outside. In so muchas the dog may have a hearing range of approximately 40 hertz (Hz) to 60kilohertz (kHz), which is much different than an average human hearingrange of approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz, audio signal 3230 is configuredto have a sound frequency between 20 kHz and 60 kHz such that the alarmwill function as a “dog whistle” specifically configured to disorientatethe attacking dog without bothering human bystanders. However, in somuch as it may be helpful to alert human bystanders to an attack, oneembodiment provides that at least one audio frequency associated withaudio signal 3230 is within a range of approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Furthermore, and with reference still to FIG. 32, a transmitter 2450 mayoptionally be implemented to automatically generate an output signal3240 in response to the initiation of a defense event and automaticallytransmit output signal 3240 to a preselected entity 2470, such as alocal law enforcement agency or emergency medical responder. It is notedthat output signal 3240 may contain audio, image, video and/orgeolocation data associated with a defense event, such as by combining anumber of elements of sixteenth exemplary self-defense system 3200 witha number of elements of twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and/or fifteenthexemplary self-defense systems 2400, 2600, 2800, 3000.

With reference now to FIGS. 33A and 33B, thirteenth and fourteenthexemplary logic systems 3300, 3301 in accordance with a number ofexemplary embodiments are shown. Thirteenth and fourteenth exemplarylogic systems 3300, 3301 are substantially similar to first and secondexemplary logic systems 2000, 2001, respectively (see the discussionsabove regarding FIGS. 20A and 20B). However, in accordance with anembodiment, execution signal 510 may be implemented to cause audiooutput unit 3220 to initiate a defense event. Indeed, one embodimentprovides that execution signal 510 causes both projector unit 160 andaudio output unit 3220 to initiate a defense event at approximately thesame time.

Various exemplary defense arrangements will now be explored, whereinthese exemplary defense arrangements may include or be integrated with anumber of defense devices discussed herein. However, the presenttechnology is not limited to these exemplary arrangements. Indeed, otherarrangements may be implemented.

With reference now to FIG. 34, a second exemplary defense arrangement3400 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, aself-defense system 3410 includes or comprises a material 120, such as awristband, sized to conform to appendage 130. Self-defense system 3410also includes or comprises a defense unit 140 coupled with material 120,wherein defense unit 140 may be positioned on the back side of a user'shand (e.g., opposite the hand's palm region) such that the user's handremains unencumbered to grasp items when self-defense system 3410 isbeing worn.

It is noted that material 120 is shown in FIG. 34 as being wrappedaround a user's left-hand wrist. It is further noted that material 120may be shaped differently than shown, such as where material 120 is aglove positioned between the user's hand and defense unit 140. However,it may be beneficial for the size of material 120 to be minimized, suchas shown in FIG. 34, so as to decrease the amount of material applied tothe user's hand and arm to thereby increase a degree of comfortassociated with self-defense system 3410.

With reference still to FIG. 34, defense unit 140 includes or comprisesa nozzle 440 sized to engage a container 430 that is configured tocontain a substance under pressure. Nozzle 440 is positioned to releasean amount of the substance from container 430 in a discharging direction3460 in response to a movement of container 430 in a direction towardnozzle 440.

To further illustrate, and with reference to the exemplaryimplementation shown in FIG. 34, defense unit 140 includes, comprises oris integrated with (1) nozzle 440 and (2) a housing 420 sized to housecontainer 430. For example, defense unit 140 may be fabricated from asingle piece of material, such as an injection molded carbon or plasticmaterial, wherein housing 420 is formed within this same piece ofmaterial (so that a chamber is formed in defense unit 140 that is sizedto receive container 430, such as shown in FIG. 34). Additionally,nozzle 440 is integrated with, or formed within, this same piece ofmaterial. In this manner, self-defense system 3410 may be fabricatedwith a relatively small cost per unit while offering a comfortable andeffective self-defense paradigm.

With reference still to FIG. 34, in an embodiment, defense unit 140optionally includes or comprises an appendage anchor 3420 sized toreceive a first digit so as to anchor a second digit relative to nozzle440 and enable the second digit to manually push container 430 towardnozzle 440. For example, when defense unit 140 is positioned on a user'sleft hand, as shown, the user anchors his or her right-hand index fingeron appendage anchor 3420 and pushes container 430 toward nozzle 440 withhis or her right-hand thumb. In this manner, appendage anchor 3420 isimplemented to minimize a movement of defense unit 140 relative toappendage 130 when force is applied to container 430 to thereby achievea degree of leverage on container 430.

Indeed, one embodiment provides that appendage anchor 3420 includes orcomprises a digit receiver or brace 3430 positioned outside a palmregion of appendage 130 when the second digit manually pushes container430 relative to nozzle 440. Consider the example where defense unit 140is mounted on the back of a user's left hand, opposite the user'sleft-hand palm region. Digit receiver or brace 3430 includes orcomprises a piece of material extending from housing 420, nozzle 440 ordefense unit 140, which may define a finger receptacle within defenseunit 140. The user anchors his or her right-hand index finger on digitreceiver or brace 3430, such as by positioning the index finger withinthe finger receptacle, and pushes container 430 toward nozzle 440 withhis or her right-hand thumb.

Thus, it is noted that defense unit 140 may be shaped to enable a userto increase a degree of manual leverage on container 430. In oneembodiment, one or more appendage braces 3440 are optionally coupled orintegrated with defense unit 140. One or more appendage braces 3440 aresized to conform to or wrap around one or more other appendages 3450 soas to anchor defense unit 140 and nozzle 440 relative to one or moreother appendages 3450. For example, when defense unit 140 is positionedon a user's left hand, as shown, one or more appendage braces 3440 arewrapped around one or more other appendages 3450, as shown. It is notedthat defense unit 140 is anchored to the user's left arm by material120, and that also anchoring defense unit 140 to one or more otherappendages 3450 enables the user to achieve an additional degree ofleverage on container 430 because the degree to which defense unit 140moves relative to appendage 130 when the user pushes on container 430with his or her right hand will be minimized.

Moreover, in an embodiment, one or more appendage braces 3440, as wellas appendage anchor 3420, are implemented to help maximize the degree ofleverage that may be achieved. Pursuant to one embodiment, however,material 120 is itself sized and configured to wrap around both theuser's wrist and one or more other appendages 3450 such that one or moreappendage braces 3440 may or may not be implemented, depending on howmuch additional support and leverage is to be provided.

With reference still to FIG. 34, it is noted that nozzle 440 ispositioned to release an amount of the substance from container 430 in adischarging direction 3460 in response to a movement of container 430 ina direction toward nozzle 440. In accordance with an embodiment,discharging direction 3460 is substantially perpendicular to an axiscorresponding to a longest length of appendage 130 (as represented bymajor length axis 850), although one embodiment provides thatdischarging direction 3460 is angled approximately 45 degrees or more(e.g., approximately 60 degrees) away from this axis. It is noted thatsuch an arrangement may increase an effectiveness of a defense event,such as when users naturally position their arms in front of their facesin a defensive posture such that projecting a substance in the selecteddirection causes the substance to be projected toward the oncomingattacker without necessitating a change in the natural, defensiveposture of the users. It is further noted that discharging direction3460 may be selected based a probable angle of attack of a potentialattacker with respect to this defensive posture.

Furthermore, an embodiment provides that a locking mechanism 3470 may beoptionally implemented to prevent container 430 from accidently slidingout of housing 420. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, an extension 3471is coupled with or extends from container 430, wherein extension 3471 issized to slide or be repositioned through a path 3472 formed in housing420 until extension 3471 engages a notch 3473 sized to hold extension3471 in place. In this manner, container 430 is unable to slide out ofhousing 420 unless extension 3471 is manually removed from notch 3473and slid out of path 3472. It is noted, however, that the presenttechnology is not limited to this type of locking mechanism, and thatother types of locking mechanisms may be implemented.

With reference now to FIGS. 35A and 35B, a third exemplary defensearrangement 3500 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Inparticular, an appendage 130 is shown, wherein appendage 130 includes orcomprises a user's left hand and forearm. Additionally, a self-defensesystem 3410 is shown, wherein self-defense system 3410 includes orcomprises a material 120 configured to wrap around the user's left handand forearm. Self-defense system 3410 also includes or comprises one ormore self-defense devices, such as projector unit 300 and/or conductiveenergy device 301. Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing, othertypes of defense devices may be implemented.

In an embodiment, self-defense system 3410 also includes or comprises amanual selector 1910 integrated with one or more of the implementedself-defense devices. Consider the example where manual selector 1910includes or comprises an electronic button that causes projector unit300 and/or conductive energy device 301 to initiate a defense event whenthe button is pushed. When the user is assaulted by an attacker, theuser instinctively raises the his arms in front of his face in adefensive posture, which in turn causes the button to be positionedbetween the user's face and his left arm. The user now has the option ofsimply pressing the button with his right hand to thereby manuallyinitiate a defense event, without compromising the user's natural,defensive posture due to the alignment of one or more of the implementedself-defense devices with a direction of attack of the oncomingattacker.

In one embodiment, self-defense system 3410 includes or comprises anumber of pressure sensors 1310 integrated with one or more of theimplemented self-defense devices. Consider the example where each ofpressure sensors 1310 is configured to sense an applied pressure, suchas when an attacker grabs the user's left arm. In response to one ormore of these sensors sensing the applied pressure, projector unit 300and/or conductive energy device 301 automatically initiate a defenseevent. In this manner, the user, when attacked, can simply retreat to anatural, defensive posture, wherein the user's arms are in front of theuser's face, and a defense event will be automatically executed based onthe attacker's actions such that the user is not forced to manuallyinitiate the defense event.

In accordance with an embodiment, self-defense system 3410 includes orcomprises one or more appendage braces 3440. To illustrate, and withreference still to FIG. 35B, it is noted that a portion 3540 of material120 wraps around the base of one of the user's digits 3510 (e.g., theuser's thumb) such that material 120 is braced or anchored relative todigit 3510. In this manner, a rotation of material 120 relative toappendage 130 is precluded, such that the positions of (1) manualselector 1910 relative to the user's face and (2) projector unit 300and/or conductive energy device 301 relative to an oncoming attacker,respectively, can be maintained. Alternatively, or in addition to theforegoing, material 120 may be sized to anchor with one or more otherdigits 3520 (e.g., the user's fingers).

Furthermore, pursuant to one embodiment, material 120 includes,comprises or is integrated with one or more size adjustors, such asstrap 3530, configured to be adjusted so as to resize a fit of material120. In this manner, material 120 may be adjusted to fit users ofdifferent sizes, as well as to tighten material 120 around appendage 130once self-defense system 3410 has been adequately positioned andaligned.

Exemplary Communication Arrangements

Pursuant to an exemplary implementation, various components or modulesof the present technology may communicate with one another, such as byrouting the various signals discussed herein, using physicaltransmission lines or data busses. However, one embodiment provides thatsuch information may be wirelessly routed.

With reference now to FIG. 36A, a first exemplary communicationarrangement 3600 in accordance with an embodiment is shown, wherein asignal is to be routed from a source 3610 to a destination 3620. First,the information is routed from source 3610 to a router 3630 through afirst transmission line 3640. Subsequently, this information is routedfrom router 3630 to a receiver 3650 through a second transmission line3660. Finally, the information is routed from receiver 3650 todestination 3620 through a third transmission line 3670. It is notedthat these transmission lines may be, for example, copper wires or fiberoptic lines. It is further noted that information may also be routedover the Internet and/or through a distinguishable intranet.

With reference now to FIG. 36B, a second exemplary communicationarrangement 3601 in accordance with an embodiment is shown, wherein asignal is to be routed from source 3610 to destination 3620. First, theinformation is routed from source 3610 to a wireless transmitter 3680through first transmission line 3640. Subsequently, this information iswirelessly routed from wireless transmitter 3680 to a wireless receiver3690, such as using radio waves and/or a wireless communication network.Finally, the information is routed from wireless receiver 3690 todestination 3620 through second transmission line 3660. It is noted thatvarious wireless communication methods may be implemented, such as byshort wavelength radio transmissions (e.g., Bluetooth™ transmissions) oracross cellular networks, and that the present technology is not limitedto any particular wireless communication methodology.

Exemplary Computer System Environment

It is noted that various components of the present technology may behard-wired or configured to carry out various actions and operationsdiscussed herein. Pursuant to one embodiment, however, a computer systemmay be implemented to carry out various operations.

With reference now to FIG. 37, an exemplary computer system 3700 inaccordance with an embodiment is shown. Computer system 3700 may be anytype of computing device (e.g., a computing device utilized to performcalculations, processes, operations, and functions associated with aprogram or algorithm). Within the discussions herein, certain processesand steps are discussed that are realized, pursuant to one embodiment,as a series of instructions, such as a software program, that residewithin computer-readable memory units and are executed by one or moreprocessors of computer system 3700. When executed, the instructionscause computer system 3700 to perform specific actions and exhibitspecific behavior described in various embodiments herein.

With reference still to FIG. 37, computer system 3700 includes orcomprises an address/data bus 3710 configured to communicate informationbetween a source and a destination. In addition, one or more dataprocessors, such as processor 3720, are coupled with address/data bus3710, wherein processor 3720 is configured to process information andinstructions. In an embodiment, processor 3720 is a microprocessor ormicrocontroller, although other types of data processors may beimplemented.

Computer system 3700 also includes or comprises a number of data storagecomponents, such as a volatile memory unit 3730 coupled withaddress/data bus 3710 and configured to store information andinstructions for processor 3720, wherein volatile memory unit 3730 mayinclude or comprise random access memory (RAM), such as static RAMand/or dynamic RAM. Moreover, computer system 3700 further includes orcomprises a non-volatile memory unit 3740 coupled with address/data bus3710 and configured to store static information and instructions forprocessor 3720. In an embodiment, non-volatile memory unit 3740 includesread-only memory (ROM), such as programmable ROM, flash memory, erasableprogrammable ROM (EPROM), and/or electrically erasable programmable ROM(EEPROM). The foregoing notwithstanding, it is noted that the presenttechnology is not limited to the use of the exemplary storage unitsdiscussed herein, and that other types of memory may be implemented.

With reference still to FIG. 37, computer system 3700 also includes orcomprises one or more signal generating and receiving devices, such assignal generating/receiving unit 3750, coupled with address/data bus3710 and configured to enable computer system 3700 to interface withother electronic devices and computer systems. The communicationinterface(s) implemented by the one or more signal generating andreceiving devices may utilize wired (e.g., serial cables, modems, andnetwork adaptors) and/or wireless (e.g., wireless modems and wirelessnetwork adaptors) communication technologies.

In an embodiment, computer system 3700 optionally includes or comprisesan alphanumeric input device 3760 coupled with address/data bus 3710,wherein alphanumeric input device 3760 includes or comprisesalphanumeric and function keys for communicating information and commandselections to processor 3720. Moreover, pursuant to one embodiment, acursor control device 3770 is optionally coupled with address/data bus3710, wherein optional cursor control device 3770 is configured tocommunicate user input information and command selections to processor3720. For example, cursor control device 3770 may be implemented using amouse, a track-ball, a track-pad, an optical tracking device, or a touchscreen. In a second example, a cursor is directed and/or activated inresponse to input from alphanumeric input device 3760, such as whenspecial keys or key sequence commands are executed. It is noted,however, that a cursor may be directed by other means, such as, forexample, voice commands.

With reference still to FIG. 37, computer system 3700, pursuant to oneembodiment, optionally includes or comprises a data storage device 3780coupled with address/data bus 3710, wherein data storage device 3780 isconfigured to store information and/or computer-executable instructions.To illustrate, one example provides that data storage device 3780 is amagnetic or optical disk drive, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), afloppy disk drive, a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM) drive, or a digitalversatile disk (DVD) drive.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, a display device 3790 is optionallycoupled with address/data bus 3710 and configured to display videoand/or graphics. Display device 3790 may be, for example, a cathode raytube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emissiondisplay (FED), a plasma display, or any other display device suitablefor displaying video and/or graphic images and alphanumeric characterscapable of being recognized by a user.

It is noted that computer system 3700 is presented as an exemplarycomputing environment in accordance with an embodiment. However,computer system 3700 is not strictly limited to being a computer system.For example, one embodiment provides that computer system 3700represents a type of data processing analysis that may be used inaccordance with various embodiments described herein. Moreover, othercomputing systems may also be implemented. Indeed, the presenttechnology is not limited to any particular data processing environment.

Furthermore, although various embodiments discussed herein involve aseries of specific steps, actions or operations for achieving a result,it is noted these steps, actions or operations are examples of varioussteps, actions or operations that may be performed in accordance with anumber of exemplary implementations. Indeed, the embodiments disclosedherein may be configured such that various other steps, actions oroperations are performed, such as variations of the steps, actions oroperations recited. Moreover, the steps disclosed herein may beperformed in an order different than presented, and not all of the stepsare necessarily performed in a particular embodiment.

Exemplary Concepts

It is noted that the foregoing discussion has presented at least thefollowing exemplary concepts:

Concept 1. A self-defense system including or comprising:

a defense unit configured to initiate a defense event in response to aninput.

Concept 2. A self-defense system including or comprising:

a material sized to conform to an appendage; and

a defense unit coupled with the material and positioned to initiate adefense event in response to an input.

Concept 3. A self-defense system including or comprising:

a material sized to conform to an appendage; and

first and second projector units coupled with the material andpositioned to project one or more substances in first and seconddirections, respectively.

Concept 4. The self-defense system of Concept 3, further including orcomprising:

a projection initiator unit associated with the first and secondprojector units and configured to enable a projection of the one or moresubstances.

Concept 5. A self-defense system including or comprising:

a material sized to conform to an appendage; and

a projector unit coupled with the material at a coupling surface areaand positioned to project a substance in a direction that issubstantially normal to the coupling surface area and/or substantiallyperpendicular to an axis corresponding to a longest length of theappendage.

Concept 6. The self-defense system of Concept 5, further including orcomprising:

a projection initiator unit associated with the projector unit andconfigured to enable a projection of the substance.

Although various exemplary embodiments of the present technology aredescribed herein in a language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claimsis not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts describedabove. Rather, the specific features and acts described above aredisclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

1. A self-defense system comprising: a material sized to conform to anappendage; a comparator configured to conduct a comparison of twoelectronic signals and generate an execution signal based on saidcomparison; and a defense unit associated with said comparator andcoupled with said material, said defense unit positioned to initiate adefense event based on said execution signal.
 2. The self-defense systemof claim 1, wherein said defense unit comprises: a number of projectorunits each configured to project a substance based on said executionsignal; and/or a number of conductive energy devices each comprising twoelectrodes and configured to generate a voltage differential above 50kilovolts (kV) between said electrodes based on said execution signal,and wherein said two electronic signals are an input signal and athreshold voltage, respectively, said two electronic signals each havinga signal amplitude, and said comparator being positioned to compare saidsignal amplitudes and generate said execution signal in response to anabsolute value or magnitude of a signal amplitude of said input signalbeing above an absolute value or magnitude of a signal amplitude of saidthreshold voltage.
 3. A self-defense system comprising: a material sizedto conform to an appendage; a pressure sensor unit positioned to sensean applied pressure and generate a pressure input signal based on saidapplied pressure; and a defense unit associated with said pressuresensor unit and coupled with said material, said defense unit positionedto initiate a defense event based on said pressure input signal.
 4. Theself-defense system of claim 3, further comprising: one or more armorunits coupled with said material and sized to conform to a shape of saidappendage.
 5. The self-defense system of claim 3, further comprising:one or more pressure sensors associated with said pressure sensor unit,each of said one or more pressure sensors positioned to sense an appliedpressure and generate a pressure input signal based on said appliedpressure, and each of said one or more pressure input signals having asignal amplitude; and a comparator associated with said one or morepressure sensors, said comparator positioned to compare said one morepressure input signals with a threshold voltage and generate anautomatic execution signal in response to an absolute value or magnitudeof at least one of said one or more signal amplitudes being above anabsolute value or magnitude of said threshold voltage, said defense unitbeing positioned to initiate said defense event based on said automaticexecution signal.
 6. The self-defense system of claim 3, furthercomprising: a cardio unit positioned to generate a heart rate inputsignal in response to a detected heart rate being above a heart ratethreshold; and a signal generator associated with said pressure sensorand cardio units, said signal generator configured to generate anautomatic execution signal based on said pressure and heart rate inputsignals, said defense unit being positioned to initiate said defenseevent based on said automatic execution signal, said self-defense systemfurther comprising: a heart rate detector associated with said cardiounit and positioned to detect a heart rate and generate a heart ratesignal based on said heart rate; and a comparator associated with saidheart rate detector, said comparator positioned to conduct a comparisonbetween said heart rate signal and said heart rate threshold andgenerate said heart rate input signal based on said comparison.
 7. Theself-defense system of claim 3, further comprising: an audio input unitpositioned to generate an audio input signal in response to detectedaudio data corresponding to a preselected audio cue; and a signalgenerator associated with said pressure sensor and audio input units,said signal generator configured to generate an automatic executionsignal based on said pressure and audio input signals, said defense unitbeing positioned to initiate said defense event based on said automaticexecution signal. said self-defense system further comprising: amicrophone associated with said audio input unit and positioned todetect audio data and generate an audio signal based on said audio data;a storage unit associated with said audio input unit and configured tostore a number of preselected audio cues; and an audio analyzerassociated with said storage unit, said audio analyzer configured toaccess an audio cue from said storage unit, conduct a comparison betweensaid audio signal and said audio cue, and generate said audio inputsignal based on said comparison.
 8. The self-defense system of claim 3,further comprising: a manual selector associated with said defense unitand positioned to generate a manual execution signal in response to aselection of said manual selector, said defense unit being positioned toinitiate said defense event based on said manual execution signal, saidmanual selector comprising: a digit receptacle; and a selectionmechanism configured to move from a first position to a second positionwithin said digit receptacle, said manual execution signal beinggenerated when said selection mechanism is in said second position. 9.The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: a conductiveenergy device coupled with said material and comprising two electrodes,said conductive energy device configured to generate a voltagedifferential between said electrodes based on said pressure input signalor said manual execution signal, said voltage differential being in therange of approximately 50 to 1000 kilovolts (kV).
 10. The self-defensesystem of claim 8, wherein said defense unit comprises: a firstprojector unit coupled with said material and positioned to project asubstance in a first direction based on said pressure input signal orsaid manual execution signal, said first projector unit being coupledwith said material at a coupling surface area and positioned to projectsaid substance in a direction that is either substantially normal tosaid coupling surface area or substantially perpendicular to an axiscorresponding to a longest length of said appendage; and a secondprojector unit coupled with said material and positioned to project asubstance in a second direction based on said pressure input signal orsaid manual execution signal when said first projector unit projects asubstance in said first direction, said first projector unit beingincapable of simultaneously projecting a substance in both of said firstand second directions.
 11. The self-defense system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a container sized to contain said substance under pressure;a nozzle sized to engage with said container and release a first amountof said substance from said container in response to a force beingapplied to said nozzle or container in a preselected direction and abovea preselected magnitude; a force applicator positioned to: i. apply saidforce to said nozzle or container in said preselected direction andabove said preselected magnitude in response to an engagement signalsuch that said first amount of said substance is released from saidcontainer, and ii. decrease a magnitude of said force below saidpreselected magnitude in response to a disengagement signal such that arelease of a second amount of said substance from said container isprevented; and a controller unit associated with said force applicatorand positioned to generate said engagement and disengagement signalsbased on said pressure input signal or said manual execution signal. 12.The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: an audio inputunit positioned to capture audio data as a result of said pressure inputsignal or said manual execution signal by sensing said audio data andgenerating an audio input signal based on or associated with said audiodata; a storage unit associated with said audio input unit andpositioned to store said audio input signal; and a transmitterassociated with said audio input unit and positioned to automaticallygenerate an audio output signal corresponding to said audio input signaland automatically transmit said audio output signal to a preselectedentity.
 13. The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: animage input unit positioned to capture image data as a result of saidpressure input signal or said manual execution signal by sensing saidimage data and generating an image input signal based on or associatedwith said image data; a storage unit associated with said image inputunit and positioned to store said image input signal; and a transmitterassociated with said image input unit and positioned to automaticallygenerate an image output signal corresponding to said image input signaland automatically transmit said image output signal to a preselectedentity.
 14. The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: avideo input unit positioned to capture video data as a result of saidpressure input signal or said manual execution signal by sensing saidvideo data and generating a video input signal based on or associatedwith said video data; a storage unit associated with said video inputunit and positioned to store said video input signal; and a transmitterassociated with said video input unit and positioned to automaticallygenerate a video output signal corresponding to said video input signaland automatically transmit said video output signal to a preselectedentity.
 15. The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: ageolocation unit positioned to sense geolocation data as a result ofsaid pressure input signal or said manual execution signal, calculate ageographic position based on said geolocation data, and generate ageolocation input signal indicating said geographic position; a storageunit associated with said geolocation unit and positioned to store saidgeolocation input signal; and a transmitter associated with saidgeolocation unit and positioned to automatically generate a geolocationoutput signal corresponding to said geolocation input signal andautomatically transmit said geolocation output signal to a preselectedentity.
 16. The self-defense system of claim 8, further comprising: astorage unit configured to store preselected audio data; and an audiooutput unit associated with said storage unit and positioned to accesssaid preselected audio data based on said pressure input signal or saidmanual execution signal and generate and output an audio signal based onor associated with said preselected audio data, said audio signal havinga sound frequency above 20 kilohertz (kHz).
 17. A self-defense systemcomprising: a material sized to conform to an appendage; and a defenseunit coupled with said material and comprising: a nozzle sized to engagea container configured to contain a substance under pressure; and anappendage anchor sized to receive a first digit so as to anchor a seconddigit relative to said nozzle and enable said second digit to manuallypush said container toward said nozzle.
 18. The self-defense system ofclaim 17, wherein said appendage anchor comprises a digit receiver orbrace positioned outside a palm region of said appendage when saidsecond digit manually pushes said container relative to said nozzle. 19.The self-defense system of claim 17, further comprising: one or moreappendage braces coupled with said defense unit and sized to conform toor wrap around one or more appendages so as to anchor said nozzlerelative to said one or more appendages.
 20. The self-defense system ofclaim 17, wherein said nozzle is positioned to release an amount of saidsubstance from said container in a discharging direction in response toa movement of said container in a direction toward said nozzle, saiddischarging direction being substantially perpendicular to an axiscorresponding to a longest length of said appendage.